Category: interiors.

December 21, 2013

My Highland Fling.

I was a prefect.

I never got a detention.

I played sport. I debated. I was in mock-trial.

I actually loved…. school.

And yes…I was not a loner, I did have plenty of friends.

I guess you could call me a nerd. A teachers pet. I just loved the rules. The routine. The familiar safe environment.

One of my greatest memories of school was being in the choir for 13 years.

Yes…for 13 years I was a high soprano.

We went on ‘Choir Tour’ singing in churches and streets all over Europe – UK, Austria, Hungary & Wales. We sang for the Chinese President when he visited Sydney. We sang in Spanish, in Latin, in German. We sang on airplanes. We sang on the streets. We just sang. A lot.

There was something magical about singing the choir. I loved the vibrations that were created by the voices surrounding me. I loved the feeling of belonging to something so special. Where every single person amounted to a beautiful collective sound.

This time of year I always reminiscence about my years in the choir. Hearing Christmas carols as I walk down the aisles of Woolworths…I can’t help myself…I quietly hum along. Growing up, every Christmas my Aaji (my grandmother) would make me sing ‘Amazing Grace’ to the whole family. I pretended to get embarrassed…but I loved it.

HOWEVER…I remember the Christmas of 2005 clearly, I was 19 years old and cleared my throat in preparation of my annual ‘Amazing Grace’ rendition…BUT…it sounded horrible. I honestly think my voice broke. I have never recovered. Ask anyone in my family…I now can’t sing for peanuts. I officially suck. Sometimes I get really sad about it. I try to sing ‘my best’ in the shower. In front of my mirror. In my car. But, I guess I really need to start accepting that my ‘golden singing days are over.

One of my favourite experiences of the choir was when our choir was part of the “Scotland the Brave” performance in Sydney Opera House. It was a night filled with bag pipes, drums, tartan and lots and lots of singing. We trained for weeks…working on our Scottish accents.

For some reason, on this past week I have was sucked down the ‘Youtube vortex’ of scottish songs. I just had this urge. I have literally listened to Scottish songs for hours this past week. At work. In the car. At the gym. I put on all the Scottish songs that I had learnt during my years in the choir. The lyrics had obviously been lying dormant. As soon as I heard the first chord of the song, the lyrics just flowed….and so did my Scottish accent. It has genuinely made me so happy this week.

With reference to my ‘Scottish themed’ week and to my school uniform (I wore for all my choir performances ), I have a new found fascination with tartan. Plaid patterns are not reserved for the kilts of old scottish men or for picnic rugs….instead they can subtly add warmth and richness to interior spaces. Upon my research, I actually learnt that “plaid” is actually derived from the Scottish Gaelic word plaide, which means blanket. Tartan can inject a sense of history and tradition. I believe plaid can look really good when combined with timber, leather or even raw concrete. It doesn’t need to be over-bearing but can be used in subtle, unexpected ways – wallpaper, blankets, upholstery,…

Don’t believe me? Check out the images below…

Love the bright colours against the raw backdrop.

(Image via The Rug Company)

(Image via Pinterest)

Can even be used as a wallpaper pattern…it works perfectly in this space…however, I would definitely be careful not ‘over do’ it.

(Image via Design Indulgence)

The plaid pattern even works in an industrial or rustic design style. It can immediately inject some warmth.

(Image via We Are Design Bureau)

(Image via Paloma 81)

Strong. Textural. Masculine. Who said tartan was out-dated?

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Design Sponge)

OK, I best be off…my ‘HIghland Fling’ playlist is awaiting…

Have a great weekend.

November 24, 2013

Caught on Camera…

The camera has been a life ‘theme’ this week.

Number One: I found out that my work computer has ‘photobooth’. Not going to lie, it has changed my working day. Productivity may have taken a hit, but it is SO much fun.

Number Two: I was lucky enough to spend 90 minutes with Megan Young (and her partner Matt) – amazing, inspiring photographers. They invited me into their gorgeous Surry Hills apartment which they had transformed into a make-shift photography studio. I was pretty awkward and nervous….actually who am I kidding?!.. after about 20 mins I started to love it! Not going to lie, I did pretend I was on an episode of ‘Australia’s next top model’. This ‘spontaneous’ photoshoot was brought on by the realisation that I literally did not possess one suitable ‘professional’ shot of myself – doing the splits on the dance floor, weaving, tree-surfing…just didn’t ‘cut it’ from a professional perspective…

OK…now for Number Three. This definitely comes in my top 5 embarrassing moments of 2013.

I got caught on a security camera. Doing something VERY weird.

Allow me to set the scene:

I was visiting a commercial screen/awning client in the industrial ‘burbs of the Northshore. The visitors car park was literally a vertical, dark, narrow spiral. NO exaggeration. I inched my yellow car all the way down…without a scratch. I was pretty proud of myself. I got out of the car. NOTE: I was wearing a dress and VERY high clogs. I scanned the car park. Could not locate a life. I has to shuffle in my high heels UP the ‘ramp’. It literally took me 10 mins, but I got there…without breaking an ankle.

The meeting went well.

It was then time to leave.

I now was faced with the challenge of having to walk DOWN the dark, VERTICAL, ramp. For some (stupid) reason, I decided I didn’t want to take off my clogs. I started walking down…I felt shakey…I felt like I was going to fall face first into the cement…I analysed my situation and decided the best possible way to get down was to SIT ON MY BOTTOM and ‘scoot’ all the way down. More accurately it was a cross between a crawl and crab walk. I knew my undies were showing….

I made it. without a bruise. I smiled at myself. Thinking how lucky i was that there was no one around to witness this highly awkward display of movement….Or was there????Upon driving out of the carpark, I heard people clapping and cheering. I looked out of my window and there were my clients laughing. Hard. I had been caught on the security camera….

They yelled out…..”Hahaha, did you have a bit of trouble getting down the ramp Nikita? ……”Nikita, why didn’t you use the lift?”…

MORTIFIED. I (genetically) can’t go red…but if I could, I would have been the shade of a beetroot.

I can NEVER face those clients again.

So…. in following this week’s life ‘theme’ of camera’s, I thought I would share a round up of some inspiring photography studios. Photography needs to consider so many factors and variables – light, space, composition, not to mention the massive amount of equipment. Photo studios need to be functional. Ample space and room length is a essential for long focal lengths and set up of umbrella’s. High ceilings can also be necessary to allow for manipulation of the height of equipment etc. However, studios must also be comfortable and allow people to feel at ease. Any feelings of ‘awkwardness’ are sure to be caught on camera. Storage is also another factor that must be taken into consideration..

The camera has been my life’s ‘theme’ this week.

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via fffound)

(Image via Airspaces)

(Image via Scout Catalogue)

(Image vis serenadeofaneclecticloversmirage.tumblr.com)

(Image via Pinterest)

Whilst these photo studio’s are gorgeous…not too sure that I will be able to say the same about my professional photos! ha.

Happy Sunday Night.

November 9, 2013

Well-designed Imagination.

I had two imaginary friends growing up – Little Mimi & Big Arka. I have no idea why I chose those names. Little Mimi was forever in the hospital with a broken arm & Big Arka was always ‘making me’ ask my parents for ice-cream. I guess those first two years (before my sister came along) must have been pretty lonely.

As children we have such active imaginations, but as we ‘grow up’ our imagination becomes overwritten with reality and thoughts imposed on us by a means of socialisation. Our imaginations are spoiled by the knowledge of what is actually possible.

I have always had a very active imagination. One of my favourite ‘games’ as a child was pretending my wardrobe was an elevator. I would stick numbers on the inside of the doors and would ‘exit’ into different ‘worlds’ – Disneyland, Fern Gully’s forest and with mermaids under the sea (yes, I would do breast-stroke across my carpet and get carpet burn)….

I believe that without our imagination, there would be no reality. Where would the human race be? Would we even exist? Everything new…every invention…every idea…every improvement in our life has been connected to the imagination. Our imagination is an elusive, non-material ‘thing’.….but it exists. Our imagination is uncontrollable, infinite and has no boundaries. Our imaginations can’t be owned by anyone else. It allows us to actualise what reality can’t provide.

Many adults feel no need to use their imagination. It is easy to carry out day-to-day lives without tapping into our imagination. But I argue, that if we do keep our imagination alive we can lead a much richer, fuller and satisfying existence.

I also truly believe that everyone is capable of being ‘creative’. The amount of times I have heard friends and family say; “Oh, I am not the creative type”. Not true. I believe that we are born with a ‘creative muscle’. It is a muscle that needs to be properly nourished and exercised. Otherwise it lies dormant.

In the industry of design – imagination is key. Imagination and creativity go hand-in-hand. The ability to visualise. The ability to translate an abstract concept, idea or belief into a creative form.

My imagination is still very active…I know I am going to some like a complete freak…BUT…

I often imagine that when I exit a room the pieces of furniture talk to one another. They have their own dialogue. Everything from the chairs way they are positioned

I know it sounds weird. I know it probably sounds like I’ve eaten some mushrooms (not the shittake variety). I haven’t.

(Mum if you are reading this – I haven’t lost my marbles – please do not book me into see the doc.)

Imagination aligns itself with the ability to visualise. When it comes to interior design – visualisation is key. When we are selecting a new piece of furniture, deciding which colour to paint a wall or even just rearranging furniture, we need to ‘imagine’ what the end result will be. It is this process of visualisation that taps into the imagination.

Interior designers must be able to see beyond the current environment and actually visualise what they hope to accomplish as an end result.

Listen to this amazing TED talk –

http://www.ted.com/conversations/6200/how_can_imagination_lead_to_in.html

An increasing trend, which I believe aligns to my imaginative journey is mismatched chairs. For some crazy reason, when I see mismatched chairs it seems like they each have their own unique personality and are ‘talking’ to each other like old friends.

Ok, I am sounding crazier my the minute – see the images below and maybe…just maybe…you might ‘get’ what I mean….or maybe you will just think I am nuts.

How cute is this arrangement of various wooden chairs!

(Images via At homeinlove)

The little stool looks like the child of the ‘Chair Family’…

(Image via Msalx)

This has to be my favourite image…it looks like the chairs are having a business meeting.

(Image via Desire to Inspire)

Birds eye view…with a gorgeous tribal rug.

(Image via Scandanavian with Love)

Chairs have a dine out…wine & all.

(Image via Petite Passport)

Having breakfast…with grandma (the fluffy chair!)

(Image via Lovely Life)

Kids party!!!

(image via Blood & Champagne)

Waiting…..

(Image via Lisa Scheer )

OK, I am off….it is a rainy Sunday afternoon and I feel like exercising…my… imagination. Allowing myself 30minutes of solid daydreaming.

Happy Sunday.

N x

October 7, 2013

I put my foot in it.

It took me 8 years….

But..I did it.

I mastered the yoga headstand (Shirshasana).

I finally released this deep-seeded fear of ‘falling’ and just let go…I cleared my mind, removed the mental pressure of having to do it successfully and just let my feet float upwards.

I was SO happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. I have been wanting to do this for years.

I love the sensation that arises from being upside down. Reversing the flow of gravity, I love the feeling of fresh blood running to my head. It is a weird pulsating feeling but this dissapates as you you relax and breath deeply into the pose.

When I got home (before hopping into the shower), I wanted to prove to myself that I could replicate the headstand outside of the yoga studio.

I rolled out my mat. I positioned myself and carefully rose my legs..I did it again!!!

BUT THEN…

I completely lost my balance, did a flip and put my foot through my wardrobe door – before I had a chance to register what had happened, the door hit me on the back of my head. I lay there, half-naked my face flat on the floor… my head throbbing. And then without even thinking…. I just started to laugh, hysterically. By myself. At myself. Sometimes, I honestly don’t know how I end up in these ridiculous situations.

My wardrobe is now missing a door – from one side it now looks like a clothes rack and from the other side a wardrobe. Don’t believe me? Think I made this story up? I wish…

It prompted me to start thinking about clothing racks. There seems to be a reemergence of aesthetically pleasing clothing racks popping up of late. Gone are the days were they are an eyesore reserved for the dressing rooms of fashion shows and dance recitals. Surprisingly these simple constructed frames can introduce a whole new dimension to a space. If used well, they can almost become a focal point, adding in colour, texture and form. Although….it does help to have lovely designer clothes to display (I somehow don’t think my boho-chic moo-moos won’t look as ‘cool’ when hung).

I am moving into a new house next week and I have decided to dispose of what is left of my ‘wardrobe’ and replace it with a a new clothes rack…after doing a bit of a website surfing, I am quite inspired and excited to get one!

Raw wood clothes rack…feel like another DIY project coming on…

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Sequin & Sweets)

I really want one of these….especially with the bottom plank to house all my Habitus magazines

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Sorakeem)

(Image via Imgfave)

Amazing clothes rack stylin’…

(Image via Etsy)

(Image via Decordots)

A metal pipe clothes rack…my dream…

(Image via Lauren Conrad)

OK, I actually have to go now and start packing up my room…and then going to yoga! Headstand here I come…

Have a great week!

N x

September 22, 2013

Kicked to the curb.

I have a problem.

I just love objects that have been ‘kicked to the curb’.

I went through a stage where I couldn’t go for a walk without coming home with a pre-loved item that had been sitting on the curb.

It was when I lived back home with mum & dad. Admittedly, bought home some pretty weird items – A family portrait (of some stranger’s family)….It had a nice frame! The inside of an old television…I wanted to transform it into a cool installation art piece. A wooden shipping palette…I wanted to create a table. Sadly, none of these ‘creative aspirations’ ever came into fruition. Instead, I was just yelled at; “Nix, if you bring one more piece of junk inside this house…..we are kicking you to the curb”. Ouch.

Over the years, I have learnt to control my urge. I can’t really explain why…. but I am drawn to pre-loved sofas, cabinets, shelves etc which are kicked to the curb. I almost feel sorry for them. They were once so loved…a part of the interior. Now, they have now been deemed ‘useless’. Either waiting for the council clean up…or for someone else to rescue them. Seeing abandoned household furniture and objects, are a catalyst for my mind to embark on some bizarre imaginative journey; Who sat on that couch? What items have been stored in those drawers? What was watched on that TV?

It’s just like an informal sidewalk orphanage. You will never know the exact history of pre-loved object, but sometimes you just have a ‘connection’ with an object and learn to love it, like it has always been you own.

Ok, I know….I probably sound like a crazy person.

Yesterday as I was walking up the street….I spotted a gorgeous wire planter. I have been wanting one for ages. It was definitely a sign. It looked so cute and lonely…just chillin’ out on the curb. Waiting to get picked up by an old council truck. I couldn’t handle the thought of this little planter being landfill.

So….I rescued it. Next weekend, I am going to give it the ultimate makeover. I will spray it either gold or black…from CURB to SUPERB!!!

In the 1970s indoor plants were all the rage and in recent times they have definitely made a comeback. Indoor plants needs to be used appropriately, otherwise they can literally transform your interior space into a scene reminiscent of Fern Gully on the Jungle Book. It is important to keep it simple and not crowd the space too much. Interesting shape leaves teamed with a cute pot is the perfect way to freshen up a lifeless space (plus having indoor plants is apparently very healthy!).

Check out some of these cute planters below…

(Image via Fab)

(Image via scandinaviandeko.com)

(Image via Homed It)

(Image via Nitzan Cohen)(

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Liz Marie)

(Image via Etsy)

I am SO excited to give my little orphan wire planter a make over…and then buy a plant to fill him with!

Happy Sunday night!

N x

September 15, 2013

Breaking News.

It has happened five times in the past 3 weeks. No exaggeration.

Two iphone screens. Two mugs. One antique bottle (which I bought from NYC).

Glass seems to be breaking all around me.

I know I am clumsy. But this feels like a joke. I am starting to wonder whether I am carrying around some bad ju-ju vibes or something.

The theme of glass re-emerged on Wednesday night. But this time in a more positive way. I had a dinner date with my grandfather (Papaji). He was to ‘fit me into his packed social schedule. He is actually the coolest (to find out why – read this)

I love the predictability of going to Papaji’s house for dinner – A glass of red, a vegetarian Indian meal, bailey’s ice-cream/strawberries & cream for dessert. In that order. Always.

However, after dinner this week instead of immediately tucking into dessert, he started showing me ‘objects’ and some of my grandmother’s things he had found after she passed away. One of which was a gorgeous blue glass vase….

It had the most beautiful story behind how it had come into his hands (see below) (NB:- Aaji what I called my grandmother):

I have a fascination with coloured glass vessels. I have decided to start a collection. I purchased two (one broke) in NYC from the most remarkable man. In a nutshell, Scott Jordan grew up on Long Island. As a bored kid, his dad made him a sieve and he spent is afternoons and weekends ‘digging up treasure’. After finishing school he followed his passion and became an Archaeologist. He spends his time transforming discards of New York City into artifact art. Read More Here (http://www.newyorkartifactart.com)

Each of his items comes with a handwritten card outlining where the piece was found & the time period it came from.

I love the ethereal nature of glass. The transparency. The buoyant quality. The simultaneous reflection and absorption of light. I have decided to be very discerning with my glass vessel collection. Each piece must have an engaging ‘story’ – whether it be the process of which it was created, a past owner to the historical context in which it derived.

Have a look at the images below…they are my point of inspiration for my ‘collection’….

(Image via imgfave.com)

(Image via antiquebottles.com)

(Image via Vmburkhadt)

(Image via Hannah Roberts)

(Image via The Great Gracie)

(Image via decor8blog.com)

(Image via Herebewitches)

Hope you have a great Sunday Night.

N x

August 31, 2013

Peep Show.

My neighbours above can see right into our kitchen.

We usually just have friendly neighbour ‘banter’ from our back garden when they are sitting on their balcony.

…but last week things escalated.

The neighbours (4 Canadian guys in their final year of medicine) came over & introduced themselves.

Rather than making mundane “small talk”, one of the guys just blurted; “You like sweet potato, hey?!”.

He had obviously noticed my current obsession with sweet potato. Yes, I eat it most nights. Yes, I have been making excessive amounts of sweet potato chips.

My first reaction was to become highly defensive (so what, if I really, really enjoy sweet potato?!). My mind then clicked into gear and I realised…

If he had be observing my sweet potato baking habits…what else had he (and his other housemates) witnessed?

My ‘naked’ sprint into the kitchen after a shower? My rendition of Frank Ocean into the Olive Oil bottle? Emptying the dishwasher in my underwear? Had they seen all of this?

I then had a horrible flash back….

The time that I was dancing & singing half naked (to TLC, Waterfalls) in my bedroom (just for the record, it was years ago….I promise)…when the neighbour called our home phone and told my mum that ‘your daughter should shut her blinds as Westbrook Avenue is getting a free show…..”. Awkward.

I then got a 20min lecture on the importance of privacy and closing my blinds.

I believe we often take windows for granted. We day-dream out of them, when sitting at work. We look out of them to check the weather. But we often focus on the what lays beyond, rather than the window itself.

Windows provide both a physical and visual connection between the inside and outside. We forget how important they really are. They let light in. They contribute to the character of the home. When opened, they offer us fresh air. When closed, they keep us secure from the outside elements.

Windows also possess the ability to add to the aesthetic charm of the room and enhances the overall appeal of your home and make it look more beautiful and spacious. Without windows, we would feel isolated from the outside world. Without windows, i believe the rate of depression would definitely increase. Without windows, I also believe that more people would be late for work….(i lived in a room without windows in Boston for a year and have never slept-in more in my entire life).

Here is a roundup of some beautiful glass windows (and doors)…

(Image via Style Files)

(Image via matte-and-sequins.tumblr.com)

(Image via theamericanlegacy.tumblr.com)

(Image via southstreetcollective.com)

(Image via Desire to Inspire)

(Image via thedesignfiles.net)

(Image via the-wiretap.com)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via l-ion.tumblr.com)

Ok, I am off…just about to jump into the shower…with my BLINDS CLOSED.

Enjoy the sunshine.

N x

August 21, 2013

Dating Disaster…it was well hung.

WAS being the operative word.

And by well hung, I am ofcourse referring to a pendant light.

His pendant light was well hung…until I broke it.

I remember the whole scene like it was yesterday. I was 22 years old. It was only our second date. We decided to play ‘bowling’ on the Wii. Error Number 1. I didn’t put on the wrist strap. Error Number 2. It seemed like an unnecessary precaution at the time.

I sucked at it. The more frustrated I got…the more I started flailing my arms like one of those inflatable tube men on the high way (you know the ones…). Error Number 3. And then just like that IT happened….time slowed down…and as I went in for the bowl…I accidentally let go of my controller. It flung into the air, hitting the pendant light and smashing it to pieces on the floor.

Silence.

So awkward.

I just stood there in shock. He just turned to me and said “You need to replace it by 10am tomorrow”. $450 later…it officially became the most expensive date I have ever been on.

Needless to say there was never a third date.

During Sydney Indesign last week, I saw lots of gorgeous pendant lights and for some reason it sparked the memory of this disastrous date (one amongst many!).

Open up any interior design magazine and you will immediately notice the common application of pendant lights within the interior space. Pendant lights balance the functional with the aesthetic. More specifically, lighting designers are commonly blurring the boundaries between lighting and art. With the experimentation of various materials, shapes and types of light sources, many pendant lights transcend the function of illumination to also be viewed as a display of sculptural art.

In the last few years, pendant lights have become a popular source of lighting within the living and dining areas of the home, as they tend to draw attention to specific details. Dimmers can also be added to allow control over lighting levels.

I know I have already written about pendant lights on this blog before (Check it out here) or check out my article on Net-a-Shopper here. But here is another round up of inspiring pendant lights…

I absolutely love Marz designs – check out their website below.

(Image via Marz Designs)

((Image via Palookaville)

(Image via architectureartdesigns.com)

(Image via User Deck)

(Image via imgms.casa.abril.com.br)

(Image via Evasabbado)

(Image via David Derksen)

(Image via thescandinaviansideoflife.tumblr.com)

Hope you enjoyed some of that light inspiration!

OK, I am off to bed…Lights Out!

N x

June 13, 2013

My sister has gone bananas.

She may be younger to me, but in so many ways I look up to her.

She is ambitious. She has patience. She is disciplined. She is gorgeous (both inside & out…she is commonly compared to ‘Frida Pinto’).

And now, she has just landed her DREAM job – she is going to be a maternity & peadetrics dietician in one of the best hospitals in Brisbanel. QLD the state of Bananas. Quite fitting really.

Sounds 100% corny, but I am honestly so lucky that she is my sister/best friend (both my sisters are) & I am so proud of her.

We continually tease her for eating ‘air’ and running crazy distances…but secretly all that jest comes from a place of absolute aspiration. I know that I am secretly jealous that she doesn’t have a pet snake on her stomach (I’ve affectionately named my snake ‘Rollo’). I know that I am secretly jealous that she has the self-dicispline to stop at just a handful of peanut M&M’s whilst I can’t resist…tearing and NOT sharing.

It is this self control that makes her excel at her profession as a dietician. I have no doubt she is going to go so far. She is precise and committed (both emotionally and mentally) – (healthy) ingredients to a successful career. Any patient will be lucky to have her.

I love the way she gives Dad dirty looks when he reaches for the chilli chips. He definitely owes his lowered cholesterol to her.

I love the way she advises Mum on how to look after her digestive health. Her fibre intake has definitely increased.

I love the way she secretly replaces Alisha’s ‘sweet snacks’ with carrot sticks (Ali only notices when she opens her bags at uni). Her dental bills have decreased exponentially.

I love the way she is also a ‘Veterinarian Dietician’ – Mojo & Perry have the shiniest coat this side of town…..thanks to their protein intake.

We just love her.

We will miss her when she is living in Brisvegas. Without her guidance, I am sure we will all become fatty guju’s.

Check out her AMAZING new blog ‘Happy Mums. Happy Bubs’ here

Inspired by her dedication to healthy eating, I have managed to find some inspirational interior designs which integrate the famous Enzo Mari’s fruit prints (and a few other random fruit ‘designed’ items) I actually really like the bold shapes and saturated colours of these prints. Simple. Symbolic. A daily reminder that an “Apple a day…”

(Image via kitkadesigntoronto.com)

(Image via miluccia.net)

(Image via Scandinavian Home)

(Image via poppytalk.blogspot.com)

(Image via dotcomsformoms.com)

Yes, I have shown this image before in a previous blog post…but I love it.

(Image via HouHouHa)

(Image via Google)

(Image via finetingogsjokolade.blogspot.com)

I want to get this for my sister’s house one day!

IImage via Chairblog)

Now I have the guilts…I am drinking tea & eating a Cherry Ripe (it was in the $1 bin at Woolies) …but feel like I should be eating an Apple. Cherry Ripes count as fruit right?

N x

P.s. here are some amazing/random pics I came across…thought I would share!

Yes! Its a pineapple…

)Image via Google)

Cute!

(Image via fun2video.com)

Fruit + Veggie = LOVE.

(Image via sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net)

June 9, 2013

Getting my ‘Indian’ On.

Last weekend was very ‘indian-centric’.

It started on Friday, we had an International food day at work. It was a sensational lunch. Although post-lunch productivity did hit an all time low as we all battled with an onset of food coma. I made a BIG bowl of an Indian Street food dish called Beil Puri (Click here to learn how to make it). The dish consists of spiced rice puffs with potatoes, chickpeas, sweet tamarind chutney and spicy green coriander chutney. It is literally a party in your mouth.

Flava Flav.

A lot of my colleagues couldn’t handle the spice. Many faces turned bright red. Many beads of sweat ran down foreheads. Many turned to yoghurt to extinguish the fire in their mouths.

Who am I kidding? It WAS spicy even for a chilli-nutcase like me (yes, my dad & I love eating raw chilli’s off the ‘West African Death’ Chilli tree).

After such a big day, in typical ‘Bridget Jones’ style, I was secretly going to go to Woolworths hire a DVD out of one of the vending machines, drunk a hot peppermint tea & some peanut M&Ms. However on my way home..I got the call up; “Come on Nix, just come out for one”: Like most big (unplanned nights), that ‘one’ turned out to be many. I had no choice, but to go to the bar with my massive silver bowl and bag of chutney’s. I am sure I smelt like ‘little india’. The smell of the chutney’s definitely wafted through the bar. I was interrogated; “Gurl, why are you carrying bottle of chutney’s?”, “Hey Indian chick, are you going to cook for us?”. #indianbattler.

Moving from the bar, I hit the dance-floor. Ofcourse, Punjabi MC came on. And as always, people turned and looked at me. So yes, I whipped out my bollywood ‘light bulb’ move.

Embracing my indian-ness all round.

Saturday night then rolled around…this is when I definitely got my ‘Indian ON”. I attended a Charity Ball – theme: Cocktail with a twist of Indian. Screw the twist. I convinced by beautiful friend Jacqui to embrace the full Indian dress – we both wore bindis, bangles, indian scarves and detailed embroidered corsets. As we were getting dressed, I played my ‘Bollywood’ playlist. And yes…I may have recorded myself doing so (i’ve only just realised the entertainment value of the old ‘video record’ function).

It was an amazing night! Indian canapes combined with lots of Indian tunes. I had a ball.

On Sunday as i walked down Oxford street a ‘little dusty’, I found myself in an Ethnic Handicraft store and fell in love with this beautiful kantha stool. I couldn’t leave it behind…it was just so cute sitting there. Before, I had time to think I had purchased this little beauty and carried it all the way home (see below).

Sunday afternoon rocked around & my first pieces on the Net-A-Shopper were published both about India…CLick on the link below to learn all about kantha!

Click the link below:

http://www.net-a-shopper.com/interiors/

I ended the weekend sitting on my new stool drinking a homemade masala Chai (which I cooked on the stovetop)….delicious.

Here are some of the pics from the Net A Shopper article I wrote on Kantha….

(Image via Pinterest)

Kantha accents provide layers of pattern and colour. Kantha especially looks great when teamed with dark wood. The combination of colour and detail adds a sense of wanderlust and exotic beauty to a space.

(Image via brittanickel.tumblr.com)

The perfect addition to the bedroom as they can simultaneously add visual interest to the bed whilst keep you warm on those cold winter nights!

(Image via fab.com)

Historically, kanthas were used for winter quilts and wraps for books…or babies. Today, the application is limitless from bedheads to chairs. Kantha can work itself into any space.

(Image via olgabennett.blogspot.com)

The ornamentation in kantha is truly exquisite. Over time, motifs have been contemporised and adapted for modern applications.

(Image via apartmenttherapy)

Integrating touches of Kantha into a space allows for an exceptional merging of traditional artisanship within a modern context.

(Image via 2.bp.blogspot.com)

Kantha has the ability to add a sense of personality and playfulness into a neutral space. Kantha addresses contradictory elements, delicate details combined with bold colours give it the unique ability to command attention whilst maintaining a degree of subtly.

(Image via fossik.bigcartel.com)

How gorgeous is kantha? I am obsessed.

N x

May 29, 2013

Gurrrll, what’s your name?…..Brown Sugar

A creamy piece of milk chocolate.

A steamy cup of coffee.

A well-worn pair of leather boots.

A raw American black walnut table.

And….my skin.

All Brown. All Beautiful.

(Ofcourse, there are are something which are brown and not so beautiful…but I HATE toilet humour so I am not going to go there….)

Coming from an Indian background, I was born with chocolate coloured skin.

Born and bought up in Australia, my friends have always been predominantly of caucasian decent.

Growing up as the Indian gal in my group of friends…

There were the pro’s: I never had dilemmas of streaky fake tan. I could always pull off white dresses, no matter what the season. I always won games of ‘murder in the dark’.

Then there were the con’s: I was a lot hairier than the other girls. I was always stuck being ‘Scary Spice’ (I was never allowed to be ‘Baby Spice’). I could never borrow brown their ‘brown’ bobby pins.

Yes, all first world problems.

———————

Beyonce has Sasha Fierce.

Christine Aguilera has Xtina.

And I have…BROWN SUGAR (Click the link below…to witness some of my moves)

http://youtu.be/1sYK_j-jMcg

Alter egos are quite commonplace.

For some reason, on a night out at the end of last year, I was approached my a gentleman on the dance floor…”Hey gurl, what’s your name?”

Without thinking, I replied “They call me Browwwnnn Shugga”.

The poor guy looked confused – “No, seriously what is your name?”

I did not relent…I just looked him straight in the eyes; “I told you, they call me Brown Sugar”

I have no idea where ‘Brown Sugar’ came from.

It must have lay dormant deep within sub-conscious. God only knows for how long….

Over the last 6 months it has gradually become my alter ego. I love it. As ‘Brown Sugar’,…I feel empowered and VERY gangsta.

Admittedly growing up there were times where I felt a little misplaced and questioned my cocoa skin.

But now, I can honestly say, I am truly proud of my cultural background. I love being Indian. I love the food. I love the traditions. I love the values my parents have instilled in me,

And…I have grown to truly love and accept my brown skin.

IBrown invokes the feeling warmth. From earthy toned walls and furniture to leather accessories. Brown is the perfect base for many interior spaces. In celebration of all things brown, here is a round up of some gorgeous and inspiring brown spaces. Enjoy!

My dream kitchen…

(Image via Blood & Champagne)

Image via Blood & Champagne)

(Image via Desire to Inspire)

(Image via Home & Delicious)

This has to be my favourite photo….I love everything about it.

(Image via desiretoinspire.net)

Can definitely imagine curling up in this chair…

(Image via rrantiques.tumblr.com)

(Image via Fotolog)

(Image via Media)

(Image via SF Girlbay)

Buttery leather against crispy white. love.

(Image via Emmas Blogg)

OK, I have to go now.. all this brown-ness if making me crave chocolate….no guesses, what I am about to do…

Chocolate + tea time! Delish.

N x

May 27, 2013

It just wanted a hug…

I stacked it.

Big time.

I hit the pavement….HARD.

It was on one of the busiest streets in Surry Hills.

Let me recap the events: It was last Sunday night. I turned off my gangsta tunes and parked my car. That’s all I remember…..the rest is a blur. It must have occurred somewhere between opening the door and my feet landing on the pavement. Except that didn’t happen…

My face hit the pavement. Not my feet.

My boot buckle must snagged my lanyard that ia on my keys and my body projected onto the pavement.

I let out a shrill-pitched gurgling sound.

My location did not help the situation. I was parked right outside ‘The Clock’ – a popular Surry Hills establishment with alfresco seating.

My car did not help the situation. I drive a mustard yellow jazz. It is hard to miss.

To my embarrassment, a lot of people witnessed my extravagant display of failing limbs.

I lay face flat on the pavement for a few seconds. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

A few onlookers rushed to my aid (as they attempted to stifle their laughter). One even helped me ‘brush down’ dirt from my backside….it was a little creepy.

I laughed awkwardly and said “I am fine….the floor just wanted a hug”.

I managed to escape with only a ladder in my stocking and a grazed ego.

With my face literally on the floor, it made me reconsider how we often overlook the importance of flooring within a space.